Cancer survivor and President of the BVI Cancer Society, Ms Gloria A. Fahie, right, receives the plaque of recognition for her efforts to promote cancer awareness in the territory from Sabbath School Superintendent of the Carrot Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church, Mrs Rosalie Adams on November 23, 2019. Photo: VINO

President of the BVI Cancer Society, Ms Gloria A. Fahie is presented with a 'love basket' by member of the Carrot Bay SDA Church, Ms Kimara Scatliffe. Photo: VINO

On Saturday, November 23, 2019 Ms Fahie was recognised by her home church, the Carrot Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church as part of the church’s Community Guest Day.

Ms Fahie was presented with a ‘love basket’ and a plaque by the church’s Sabbath School Superintendent, Mrs Rosalie Adams, who hailed Ms Fahie as a “gem” of the Virgin Islands soil.

She said Ms Fahie’s life changed over nine years ago when she was diagnosed with breast cancer; however, after overcoming the initial shock, she became proactive and concluded that she had to fight for her life, for her family, friends and other persons fighting against this dreaded disease called cancer.

Woman of Service

“Ms Fahie believes in serving the community,” Mrs Adams said, adding that she is not only the President of the BVI Cancer Society, but also is the Acting President of the BVI Diabetes Association- Western Branch.

“Today Ms Fahie is a nine years breast cancer survivor and continues to thrive on hope, faith, strength and love. She believes that hope and faith are dominant factors in the fight against Illnesses as in the end that is what will propel us on in our battles. Her greatest desire is to know that at the end of her sojourn here on earth that she did her best to assist persons and that she was able to be an inspiration to others.”

At her place of worship at the Carrot Bay SDA Church, Ms Fahie was the Assistant Director of the Health Ministry and a member of the Women’s Ministry and Community Services ministries.

In July 2013 Miss Fahie became Acting President of the BVI Cancer Society and has served as President from November 2013 to present. “She continues wholeheartedly to take on the mandate of keeping the Society alive, educating the populace of all cancers and to emotionally/financially assist diagnosed persons,” Ms Adams continued.

Recognition

It was noted that on numerous occasions Ms Fahie has been recognised for her outstanding contributions in the community. Most notable was the Paul Harris Fellow Award awarded to her by the Rotary Club of Road Town and Beauty with a Purpose (BWAP) Award. This award was given by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) for Lifetime Philanthropic Achievement, which recognises her specifically for her selfless work as President of the BVI Cancer Society.

Ms Fahie, in her response, praised the members of her team at the BVI Cancer Society, “Because I certainly couldn’t do it by myself.”

She thanked the church and said the gesture was “very much appreciated.”

Meanwhile, Mrs Adams said Community Guest Day is a time when the church thinks about the people who are very helpful in the community and “we try our best to say a special thank you to those we think are deserving. Of course there are many who could be deserving at any given time but we have to make a choice of one.”